(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . Thermal Thursday: Christianity and Questions Science Does Not (Adequately) Answer [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.', 'Backgroundurl Avatar_Large', 'Nickname', 'Joined', 'Created_At', 'Story Count', 'N_Stories', 'Comment Count', 'N_Comments', 'Popular Tags'] Date: 2023-02-16 Please Note Disclaimer : I write about Christianity because I was raised in the Church, so it’s what I know. Furthermore, I know of several instances where people commenting about another religion have gotten it wrong (ask me about “blue balls” sometime!), so I feel that I am not qualified to branch out. Nothing here should be taken as implying that Christianity is better than any other religion or no religion. In fact, you can see the array of topics Street Prophets cover here, and anyone who would also like to write for the series is welcome. From the profile: “All who seek to promote a new conversation about the role of religion in America's public life are welcome here.” Just drop Street Prophets a Kosmail. Today’s Topic: There is currently on the wreck list a diary regarding the fantasies of religion and the anti-critical thinking that such engender. I decided I’d expand on my comment there. This might be fun! So what kinds of questions lack (adequate) scientific answers, IMO? Why do we stop to admire sunrises and sunsets? Eagle flying in front of sunset Why do we think colourful flowers are gorgeous? Why do we even have so many colours? Gorgeous garden Sure, there are scientific reasons for how colours are made, but couldn’t we be functional in a much less colourful world, or just see those colours as functional? You might say that appreciation for beauty is an evolutionary advantage, lifting our moods, but wouldn’t it be simpler to just evolve to be free of boredom and/or depression? Why do we have such close affection for aminals, and isn’t our ability to connect with other species kind of miraculous? They help us feel so connected This swan was grateful to be rescued Not me and Mom, but could be. Why do I and others feel a duty to care for our elders? Where does such loyalty come from? Mom has fulfilled her biological function, with several children and many multiples of grandchildren and a few great-grandchildren. Why don’t we throw no-longer-”useful” elders on the pyre? What is our purpose for living? Helping others? Making a better world? Growing in compassion? Having fun? All of the above? Where does your purpose come from? Helping others (photo of the Carters, h/t Tevye) Of course answers to these questions can be found in all religions and none. My point, however, is that such answers are not scientific. Or if they are, then they’re not adequate answers scientifically. The “soul,” for example — What is it? Talk to me about neuroscience all you like, the whole still seems greater than the sum of its parts and I still believe that it will survive the death of the brain. What are your questions? Or answers? Finally as always, let’s elevate our Community Cred and repost The Needs List — with some hopeful updates! From Aashirs nani (with permission) on Helping Humpday: PLEASE NOTE: When sending via PayPal, be sure to select “Send to family/friend” to avoid fees on either end. Be aware, both donor and recipient, that GFM not only charges fees, but also money received through that platform is treated as taxable income. If you are requesting help through GFM, also be aware that there can be delays in accessing the money. COMMUNITY NEEDS LIST AS OF 2/15/23: Note also that Chef Bobby Neary, “@nuevopioneer,” has passed away. We will continue to post his favourite charity to honour him — please consider a donation to the Satos, the street pets of Puerto Rico! Bobby adopted his own Sato, Missilu, as well as raised funds for PR’s Satos. I’m in for a mickle each week toward a variety of DKos members on the Needs List. I hope you’ll join me. Always glad to see the needed amounts gradually decreasing! If helping financially isn’t the right choice for you at this time, you can still help. Tip and rec the diary so it stays visible. Share on social media: Twitter, Facebook, whatever platform you use, to bring the attention of others outside our daily readers. And offer words of encouragement to people who are struggling. It can be scary to be struggling, and it can feel lonely. Let them know we understand and are here to help. If you have time, please visit the diaries above and leave comments for their authors. Those words of encouragement are vital! If you don’t like fundraisers, please just move along. They are a longstanding tradition at DKos — Until we vote in enough progressives to create a much stronger social safety net! (Maybe in 2 years.) [END] --- [1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/2/16/2153316/-Thermal-Thursday-Christianity-and-Questions-Science-Does-Not-Adequately-Answer Published and (C) by Daily Kos Content appears here under this condition or license: Site content may be used for any purpose without permission unless otherwise specified. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailykos/